Transaction Legal Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

The Structured Derivatives Lawyer is an integral member of the Derivatives Legal Team within the SMBC Bank International plc (BI) Legal Team. The Structured Derivatives Lawyer will have a key role in the management of legal risk for BI, SMBC Nikko Capital Markets Limited and EMEA entities in respect of loan-linked hedging deals, in particular project finance, corporate acquisitions, buyouts, and recapitalisations. They will exercise skill and judgement to manage and minimise legal risks in accordance with the risk appetite of the firm.

The Structured Derivatives Lawyer will act autonomously to review and advise on a broad range of derivatives related documentation (masters, schedules, credit support annexes, security and loan documentation and intercreditor agreements) and support the execution of such documentation in accordance with internal requirements and policies and external regulations. The Structured Derivatives Lawyer will also work closely with other staff of CM Ltd and BI to assist in the development of policies and procedures in order to mitigate against legal risks.

The Structured Derivatives Lawyer is also responsible for transaction advice and consideration, for complex and/or bespoke transactions and for actively supporting standards of good conduct of the firm through identification and escalation of reputational and conduct issues in transactions; actively contributing to the culture of the firm through volunteering and participating in employee-led activities.

The Derivatives legal team is currently based in London, Frankfurt and New York.  The candidate will manage and be responsible for the review and execution of a range of derivatives and financing documentation for leveraged finance and real estate loan-linked hedging.  This role will report into Head of Derivatives Legal, London.  The candidate will also be an key member of the SMBC EMEA legal team.

The primary role of Structured Derivatives Lawyer is to support Derivatives Front office in the effective management of legal risk and the documentation and execution of derivatives transactions for the EMEA wide business.  Derivatives lawyer based in London will also provide legal support to SMBC Bank EU AG, SMBC EMEA Branches as well as affiliates in London. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The Structured Derivatives Lawyer must be a qualified lawyer or equivalent and have been in the financial services industry for at least 8 years.  She/he must have strong knowledge of derivatives law, regulation and documentation as well ISDA documentation.  Experience of other legal systems in which Derivatives Legal is asked to advise e.g. US, UK and Japan would be helpful

Strong communication skills and adept at establishing professional credibility at all levels within the business with the ability to build effective working relationships with key stakeholders

Demonstrates confidence and is adept at negotiating and influencing others

Excellent planning, organisation and coordination skills with the ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and on varying agenda simultaneously flexing priorities when necessary

Strong levels of business understanding and commercial acumen

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Highly articulate and able to apply new skills effectively.

Business Area

Derivatives Legal consists of five employees in London plus the Head of Derivatives Legal.  Derivatives Legal also works closely with lawyers and derivatives negotiators in CM Inc. New York

Position Description

The Structured Derivatives Lawyer will typically be responsible for dealing with all members of front office staff at transaction management level, but will also have exposure to senior management from time to time 

The Structured Derivatives Lawyer is accountable to the Head of Derivatives Legal, in the first instance and ultimately to the General Counsel of SMBC

The Structured Derivatives Lawyer must maintain a practical and pragmatic attitude to the provision of legal services in a way which enables business to be carried out quickly, effectively and safely in a way consistent with SMBC’s appetite for legal risk exercising his judgement to ensure these objectives are met.

Transaction volumes vary across the year and Derivatives Legal experiences periods of very high volumes when demand for their services is very high.  This can involve managing transactions across different jurisdictions, legal systems and time zones.  It requires considerable resilience, dedication and efficiency by all team members.

The products the Derivatives Legal team typically deals with include IRS, CCS, RPI, DCH, with strategy for new business and products becoming more complex.   Client types for the business include (i) corporate derivatives (ii) structured and project finance derivatives; (iii) derivatives with financial institutions; (iv) credit support documentation and security documentation for each of the foregoing; (v) repo, stock lending and clearing agreements.   Derivatives Legal also supports front office departments in respect of netting for all types of master agreements.

The Derivatives Legal team co-ordinate and liaise with lenders, borrowers, sponsors, ECAs, issuers, law firms, accounting and audit firms, stock exchanges, rating agencies, trustees and fiscal agents located in different countries. The team provides transactional and structuring advice to front office for their proposed pitches/products.

The Derivatives Legal team is encouraged to play an active role in the life of the SMBC Group and to act as a role model for other departments.   The SMBC EMEA Legal Department is a diverse department in terms of gender and ethnicity at both junior and management levels.  Derivatives Legal Head and senior members are leaders in a variety of key culture activities of the firm including Corporate Social Responsibility and diversity initiatives.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!